0:00A significant portion of the meeting focused on the asbestos issue at the main branch. Asbestos was discovered in the flooring during ongoing renovations, leading to a necessary two-week closure starting August 19th. The board prioritized discussing resolutions related to this matter, deferring the approval of previous meeting minutes.

A resolution was presented to approve a $115,928 contract with McCabe, a company specializing in asbestos testing, for the North Edison Branch. The discovery of asbestos in the tiles of the main branch raised concerns about similar issues at the North Edison Branch, stirring a discussion on testing methods. The project manager explained that non-invasive testing could be conducted in non-public areas such as storage rooms. Methods for accessing potentially hazardous materials included inspecting insulation on ductwork and piping and taking samples from areas like closets.

Board members expressed frustration over the late discovery of asbestos, with one member stressing the financial implications and questioning the oversight in the renovation process. “This is $35 million worth of project at one facility… every inch of this… was discussed many times. Why wasn’t this found?” they asked.

Further discussions revealed concerns about the randomness of sampling and the potential for undetected contamination. One board member questioned, “If you do random selection and you find nothing… what about where you’re standing where there’s a thousand people standing there?” The project manager reiterated that targeted testing in known problematic zones would provide a strong indication of asbestos presence.

The financial burden of asbestos testing and removal also sparked debate about the township’s role in contributing to these costs, given its ownership of the building. The board aimed to ensure that renovations would proceed without jeopardizing the safety of staff, patrons, or community members.

35:42The meeting then addressed the structural integrity of the North Edison Branch Library. Concerns were raised about the building’s age and the materials used in various renovations over the years. The board approved a resolution related to the library’s infrastructure following assurances that all flooring would be examined for safety.

An extended contract for CME Associates, the engineering firm involved in the library’s redevelopment, was approved for $27,560. The necessity of this expenditure was questioned, but it was clarified that the changes were meant to prevent future complications and costs during construction. The engineers conducted soil borings and visual explorations to assess underground piping and structural requirements, confirming that the existing piping sizes were adequate and did not require replacement.

The discussion also touched on the extended contract for CME Associates, with questions about the necessity of the additional $27,560 expenditure. The board members understood that the changes were meant to prevent future complications and costs during construction. The engineers had conducted soil borings and visual explorations to assess underground piping and structural requirements, confirming that the existing piping sizes were adequate and did not require replacement.

A resident from Middlesex County engaged with the engineers regarding their familiarity with local officials. The engineers confirmed their limited knowledge of specific township officials.

53:05Air quality concerns related to asbestos found on the second floor of the main library were also discussed. Experts from McCabe confirmed that it was safe for staff and the public to work on the first floor. Despite efforts to clarify the situation, some individuals in the community chose to ignore accurate information. It was emphasized that no library staff had been working on the second floor since the discovery of the asbestos tiles, with only contractors accessing the area briefly.

The board touched on the North Edison Branch’s design changes, requiring a resolution to officially acknowledge the alterations. Marketing initiatives, including feedback from focus groups and rebranding efforts, were also discussed.

The Friends of the Library group reported a successful first year, raising approximately $35,000. They announced an upcoming book and bake sale and expressed a desire for greater community engagement, especially given Edison’s population of around 100,000.

The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming events, including a beer, wine, and food festival, a hair show at Middlesex County College, and a House Music Festival at Papani Park. The board emphasized the energetic atmosphere of these events, inviting public participation. The next meeting was scheduled for September 4 at 7 p.m.